The word “Breeder” has become a negative term, thanks to the efforts of animal rights groups, who lump anyone who breeds dogs together under one umbrella. Let’s get one thing straight: a Breeder does not produce puppies to sell. Yes, Breeders sell puppies, but that is not the reason they are breeding dogs. Breeders care passionately about their breed. They want to produce the best examples of their breed as possible. They understand that they are the custodians of their chosen breed for the time they are breeding dogs. They appreciate the living history that their dogs represent. They show their dogs or do performance events with their dogs, not only to prove they have good dogs but because they ENJOY doing things with their dogs. They perform health tests and study pedigrees to make the best matches possible to produce outstanding puppies. They love their dogs. They cry when, despite heroic efforts, they can’t save a puppy. They care for their dogs ahead of themselves. They spend thousands of dollars on veterinary care, including for their cherished senior dogs who are beyond the age that they can be bred. They cry when a dog dies. And it is hard to say goodbye when a puppy leaves for a wonderful new home! For a breeder there is so much more at stake than making puppies to sell. I’m a breeder and proud of it.